Testicular torsion

• Alternative Names

  Torsion of the testis; Testicular ischemia; Testicular twisting

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  Some men may be predisposed to testicular torsion as a result of inadequate connective tissue within the scrotum. However, the condition can result from trauma to the scrotum, particularly if significant swelling occurs. It may also occur after strenuous exercise or may not have an obvious cause.

  The condition is more common during infancy (first year of life) and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty).

• Symptoms
  • Sudden onset of severe pain in one testicle, with or without a previous predisposing event
  • Swelling within one side of the scrotum (scrotal swelling)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Light-headedness

  Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

  • Testicle lump
  • Blood in the semen
• Signs and tests
  • Extremely tender and enlarged testicular region -- more common on the right
  • The testicle on the affected side is higher
• Treatment

  Surgery is usually required and should be performed as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If surgery is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.

  During surgery, the testicle on the other (non-affected) side is usually also anchored as a preventive measure. This is because the non-affected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion in the future.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  If the condition is diagnosed quickly and immediately corrected, the testicle may continue to function properly. After 6 hours of torsion (impaired blood flow), the likelihood that the testicle will need to be removed increases. However, even with less than 6 hours of torsion, the testicle may lose its ability to function.

• Complications

  If the blood supply is cut off to the testicle for a prolonged period of time, it may atrophy (shrink) and need to be surgically removed. Atrophy of the testicle may occur days-to-months after the torsion has been corrected. Severe infection of the testicle and scrotum is also possible if the blood flow is restricted for a prolonged period.

• Calling your health care provider

  Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if testicular torsion symptoms occur.

• Prevention

  Use precautions to avoid trauma to the scrotum. Many cases are not preventable.

• References

  Turgut AT, Bhatt S, Dogra VS. Acute Painful Scrotum. Ultrasound Clinics. Jan 2008; 3(1).

  Ringdahl E. Testicular Torsion. Am Fam Physician. Nov 2006; 74(10): 1739-43.

  Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Review Date: 9/22/2009

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.